logo logo logo logo
  • England
    • North West
    • North East
    • Yorkshire
    • West Midlands
    • East Midlands
    • East of England
    • South West
    • South East
    • Greater London
    • Lake District
    • Peak District
    • South Downs
  • Scotland
    • Highlands
    • Lowlands
    • Cairngorms
  • Wales
    • North Wales
    • South Wales
    • Anglesey
    • Snowdonia
  • Home & Garden
    • Allotments
    • Home & Garden
    • Money Saving
    • Pets
  • Dogs Welcome
  • Loch Muick

    Cairngorms National Park, Scotland


Loch Muick

Circular walk

Loch Muick is an upland, freshwater Loch which lies around 5 miles (8 kilometres) south of Braemar in Scotland. It is at the head of Glen Muick and within the boundary of the Balmoral Estate. The Loch itself is a great place to walk around, with it being picturesque. The path around the perimeter of the loch is fairly flat, and there is a good car park, easily accessible by road. Downloadable map available here.

We work hard to make this website the best it can be. If you've found it useful, please consider buying us a coffee to show your support.
Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Useful Information

How to get there: From the village of Ballater, on the A93, join the B976. Head south and once at Bridge of Muick, follow the signposted road to Glen Muick. Stay on the road here until you reach the car park at the very end.

Grid Reference: NO 309851
Nearest Postcode: AB35 5SU
Parking: Spittal of Glen Muick Car Park (Pay and Display).
Facilities: Visitor centre, toilets.

Distance

7.8 miles

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

3 hrs

Advertisement

The Walk

A scenic and inspiring walk in the Scottish Highlands.

Map with thanks to Ordnance Survey.

Walk

1 From the car park at the Spittal of Glenmuick, head down the track. After you pass the visitor centre building, turn right and continue on the track. You will cross over a bridge, which goes over the River Muick. As you progress along, you will head toward the houses at Allt-na-guibhsaich. Upon reaching the first building, turn left onto the track, then continue straight ahead.

2 The path then heads towards the Loch. You will reach a stone boathouse, and at this point there is an alternative route which crosses by the end of the Loch and short-cut to near the start of the circuit. If you remain on the elevated path, where it runs round the Loch.

3 Continue on the track until reaching the stone wall and pines which surround Glas-allt-Shiel house. This lodge was built in its present form in 1868 under instruction of Queen Victoria, which she used as a quiet retreat following the death of her husband, Prince Albert. If you pass in front of the house, then continue on through the woods on path to the other side.

4 The circular walk continues, with the path emerging from the pines sheltering the house. You will see the end of the Loch in view at this point. If you keep left at a fork and follow the edge of the water. The path will cross over a number of wooden bridges and by sandy shore areas. When you have rounded the end of the Loch, you will find the path becomes somewhat clearer, and it turns to the left – where you can follow the far side, following the path through the heather.

5 The path the climbs, to join a track at a bridge. If you bear left, cross the bridge, and then follow the track back along the side of the Loch. You will pass by a boathouse and a turning for the signed Capel Mounth track. If you continue to follow the track, you will recognise the origin of your route, and follow your earlier steps back to the beginning of the walk.

Similar Walks

Two further walks to consider in Scotland.

Glen Tanar Glen Tanar, Cairngorms National Park - Dog Walks Near Me

2.5 hrs

Time

5 miles

Distance

Easy

Difficulty

Glen Tanar

Circular Walk

Cairngorms National Park

Cambus o'May Cambus o'May, Cairngorms National Park - Dog Walks Near Me

1hr

Time

2.3 miles

Distance

Easy

Difficulty

Cambus o'May

Circular Walk

Cairngorms National Park

Enjoy this walk?

Say thanks with a coffee.

Our Affiliate Partners

North Face
client logo
Berghaus
Ordnance Survey
Jack Wolfskin UK
AATU
Dog Walks Near Me
  • Find dog walks across the UK
  • About Us
  • Sticker Competition
    (win £50)
Top Walk Areas
  • Peak District National Park
  • Lake District National Park
  • Cornwall Region
  • South East Region
Dogs Welcome
  • Find dog friendly businesses
    across the UK

  • Own a dog friendly business?
    Advertise with us (free listings
    are available)
Home & Garden
  • A blog where we share additional content related to the wider-world

Contact Us
  • Email
© Dog Walks Near Me | Cookie & Privacy Policy